Sarfaraz Khan Absent from Mumbai Ranji Trophy Squad Ahead of New Zealand Series

Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan has been excluded from the squad for the initial rounds of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season. According to a report by PTI, the right-handed batsman will instead be at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, preparing for India’s three-match Test series against New Zealand, starting on October 16.

Sarfaraz was released from Team India during the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur earlier this year, allowing him to participate in the 2024 Irani Cup. His performance in that match was exceptional, as he scored a double century for Mumbai, leading the Ajinkya Rahane-led team to lift the Irani Cup after 27 years. This display reinforced his reputation as one of India’s brightest middle-order prospects.

Sarfaraz has been on the fringes of the Indian national team, particularly in the middle-order, following an impressive debut series against England earlier this year. Although KL Rahul was preferred for the recent series against Bangladesh, Sarfaraz remains a viable backup option, with his form and performances keeping him in the mix for a spot in India’s Test squad. With player rotation a common strategy, he could get his chance in the upcoming New Zealand series.

Meanwhile, Mumbai will begin their Ranji Trophy title defense without Sarfaraz, as they face Baroda in an away game starting on October 11. The team’s first home match is scheduled against Maharashtra on October 18, just days after India’s first Test against New Zealand begins at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Mumbai’s squad for the opening two rounds of the Ranji Trophy includes senior players like Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, and Prithvi Shaw. The absence of Sarfaraz will be felt, as he has been one of their most consistent performers in recent seasons, but the team remains packed with experienced talent. Players like Shardul Thakur and Shams Mulani are expected to take on key roles as Mumbai looks to start the campaign on a strong note.

For Sarfaraz, the focus now shifts to the national level. Despite being overshadowed by KL Rahul for the No. 5 spot, his domestic track record makes him a compelling candidate for India’s middle-order. He continues to build his case for inclusion in the playing XI, with the upcoming series against New Zealand offering another potential opportunity to stake his claim.

Mumbai squad for first two rounds of 2024-25 Ranji Trophy: Ajinkya Rahane (c), Prithvi Shaw, Ayush Mhatre, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Shreyas Iyer, Siddhessh Lad, Suryansh Shedge, Hardik Tamore (WK), Sidhaant Addhatrao (WK), Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Himanshu Singh, Shardul Thakur, Mohit Avasthi, Mohd. Juned Khan, Royston Dias